Bendable unit



June 13, 1933. s s. MITTLEBUR G BENDABLE UNIT Filed July 16, 1932 IINVENTOR SAMUEL .s. M/TT'LEBURG U f Y 4270mm v Patented June 13, 1933SAMUEL S. KITILEBURG, 01' BROOKLYN, NEW YORK BERDABLE curr- IApplication filed July 16,

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a bendable unitfor signs,

window display and the like.

The invention has for an object the construction of a bendable unitadapted to inaugurate a new method of bendability and va riation so thatartists and others may be .em-

ployed to create riginal designs in the display of windows nd the like.

.As a still further object it is proposed to adapt the arrangement tominiature size so as to be portable as a salesmens sample or be used asa game for children and he a toy of educational and instructive value.

As a still further object of this invention it is proposed to provide aplurality of strips, a plurality'of pliable bands and/or wires engagedthrough said strips and held separated by any-desired ornamental spacersupon said wires or bands and removable wrappers mounted on said stripsproviding for variation of the sign.

As a further object it is proposed to insert sliding facing on thestrips in place of the wrappers.

As a further object of this invention it is proposed to construct thebendable unit in a manner so that it may readily be formed and arrangedfor a window display and bring out the genius of the window dresser.Furthermore that it be useful as a game to test the intelligence of achild and it is adaptable for useful things about the home, such asfurniture and the like.

As a still further object of this invention it is proposed to constructthe bendable unit in a manner so that advantage may be taken of neontubing when transparent for display.- ing and so the device becomescommonplace equipment in stores and the like.

'The invention still further proposes the construction ofa device asmentioned which is simple and durable and which may be 1,5 manufacturedand sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawing, and

to the appended claims in which the various ion. mm 1.. man.

novel features'of the invention are more particularly set forth.

Iii the accompanyi-ng drawin material g forming a part of thisdisclosure:

Fig. 1 IS a perspective view of a strip for use in a bendable unit acvention.

cording to this in- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a modified form ofstrip and wrapper used in conjunction therewith.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a still further modified strip. v

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of still another modified strip.

Fig. 5 is another pe another modified strip.

rspective view of still Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are perspective views of stripsfor use in bendable signs and constructed according to various modifiedforms of the inve ntion.

vention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a chair constructed from the units ofthe elements of the bendable unit. a

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of anoth constructed according to thisinvention.

er sign Fig. 13 is a perspective view of still another form of'si n.

Fig. M is a perspective view of a corner construction trom elementsaccording to this M invention.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view of one of the a hands used in the unit.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of one of the wires used in the unit.

The bendable si according to this invention comprises a p urality ofstrips connected together flexibly by a lurali'ty of liable that slidesover the strips in ace of wrappers. More particularly in Fig. 1 a stri10 has been ill ustrated substantially of oblb shape and having openings13 parallel to each other near the top and bottom and a central opening14 parallel to said openings 13, and all of said openings extending iromslde to side through the strip. Wires, indlcated by the dot anddashlines 15 are intended to pass through the openings 13 and hold togetherthe various strips as previously explained. Spacers indicated by dotdash lines 17 are to be used between the strips. A pliable band 18 isshown in dot and dash lines engaged through the opening 14. I

In Fig. 2 a modificationhas been disclosed in which there is a block 20formed with the passages 13 and a centralpassage 21 for the band. Thecentral passage 21 is of groove mortice construction. Along oppositesides of the block'20 and extending from top to the bottom there areformed grooves 22 into which the edges 23 of a wrapper 24 may beengaged. The wrapper 24 may be ornamented or inscribed with some letteror design. The groove 22 should be sufiiciently close to the-passages 13so that the spacers 17 serve to firmly hold the edges 23 within thegrooves when the bendable unit is completely assembled.

In Fig. 3 another variation has been disclosed in which a strip'25 hasbeen shown formed with a pair of spaced inclined slots 26 extending fromside to side and adapted to receive the pliable wire and also formedwith a central slot 27 extending from side to side and adapted toreceive the'band. The strip 25 is formed with oyer hanging sides 28forming tracks into which a facing indicated by the dot and dash lines29'may he slipped. The edges of the strips 25 may be suitably covered bya channel member indicated by the dot and dash lines 30.

In Fig. 4 another variation of the invention has been disclosed in whicha strip 31 is shown formed with the passages 13 andwith a centralpassage 32 adapted to be placed upon a band. This strip is also formedwlth grooves 22 to receive and hold the wrapper 23. At the top andbottom ends of the strip 31 there are grooves 33 extendinglongitudinally and adapted to receive corresponding projections 34, fromstrips 35 adapted to be interconnected with each other and form a frameor edge for the bendable unit.

In Fig. 5 another variation has been dis-.

closed in which. a strip 25 has been shown provided with the grooves 26and a passage 27 as previously explained relative to Fig. 3 butdistinguishing from this figure in the provision of a tongue 36 at thetop and bottom adapted to engage within the channel member 37 to formthe edges of the bendable sign.

In Fig. 6 another variation of the strip has been disclosed which issimilar to the strip shown in Fig. 1, corresponding parts may berecognized by the same reference numerals but distinguishes in theprovision upon 'and a cushion covering preferably) one face-ofoverlapping sides 38 forming a track in which a slide wrapper, slidingpieces or parts 39 may be engaged.

In Fig. 7 another variation of the invention has been disclosed in whicha strip 40 is shown and comprises an interior core 41 or hose andseamless, indicated y numeral 42 both covering and the core member 41.are formed with the passages 13 and 14 previously described. Straps socovered or upholstered may be used for furniture, as for example, shownin Fig. 11. In this figure a plurality of strips have been shownadjacenteach other and encircling a seat 43 in a manner so as to form achair. The upholstered strips 40 are separated from each other by:sEpacers 17 as previously explained relative to ig. 8 shows anothervariation of the invention in which a strip 44 is shown composed ofspring sheet metal bent so as to be hollow and have-inturned ends 45upon one of the sides adapted to clamp paper or similar material. Wires15, and a band 18 are adapted to engage through the strip 44 similarlyas described relative to Fig. 1.

of canvas In Fig. 9 a sign hasbeen shown formed according to thisinvention. In detail, a plurality of strips 45 are shown held togetherby wire 46 passing through end apertures as previously described and in'addition the provision of a band 47 passing through apertures in thestrips 45. The strips 45 are held slightly separated by any design ofornamental spacers. The wires 46 are shown connected at one of theirends upon a stand composed of several blocks 49 upon a section of thewire 46 and held separated by spacers 50. Wrappers 51 are shown engagedupon the strips 45 for simulating some advertising matter.

In Fig. 10 another bendable unit has been disclosed in which one of thestrips 52 is shown of different shape, namely that of a milk bottle andthe other strips and'wrappers being arranged to advertise the milk. In

other respects this sign is similar to the one shown in Fig. 9'andcorresponding numerals represent correspondin parts. The bands 47 .areshown perforated or convenience in connection and attachment as shown inFig. 15 and hereinafter further described. It will be readily understoodthat signs may be constructed to advertise tooth paste, cigarettes.cigars, bottles and the like.

In Fig. 12 another sign has been disclosed constructed according to thisinvention and showing in particular the horizontal support rod 52 uponwhich a pair of spaced vertical finishing rods 53 are depending. Betweenthese rods there are strips 54 separated by spacers 55 of a constructionas previously explained. Reference numeral 56 indicates a fancy s'pacerin the form of ice cream dishes.

A The details of the units will not be given in I neiaaoe thisdescription. The reference numeral 57 indicates a pluralit of stencilprinted or double faced signs a so arranged between the posts 53.Beneath this thereare located other s of strips forming letteringindicated by re erence numeral 58. A fancy strip 59 rs used at thebottom of the si Then to conclude the si 11 a base 60 is formed whichcomprises paral e1 rings of wire 61 and a plurality of strips engagedthereof. These strips are removable m that no central band has been usedand the strips engaged upon the wire 61 by reason of the rooves 26 thebase of the sign is shown of cy indrical shape with the strips extendedin the vertical.

InFIg. 13 another ornamental efiect has been disclosed in which a base62 is formed from a plurality of strips connected with the wires aspreviously described forming a bendable construction adapted to assumevarious shapes. Along one ed e a plurality of letters 63 are mounted. iarious types of strips are shown to compose the unit es ial y along thefirst horizontal portion guring from the left. -A four dimensionalletter indicated' by numeral 64 is also shown. Block strips 65 separatedby spacers 66 are shown supported upon a .wire 67 havin a. portion bentupon itself for forming para lel sections 68 upon which removablenumbers 69 are shown according to the invention. A portion of the wire67 may be used to support stockings 2'0. The other end of the wires 67is shown terminated by the provision of a plurality of spacers 71ofvarioue Sliflt es.

In Fig. M omernental fancy out our boards or other strips 72 are shownspsccd from each other and indicated upon e band 73. These spacers mcybe used for a sign. construction. a

In Fig. 15 at band 18 has been shown provided with en extension portion7 5 secured therewith by screws 76 enga ed through the perforations ofthe strip. A och 77 is shown engaged through the last perforation of theextension and may be used to lock the various strips and spacers uponthe band.

In Fig. 16 aware 15 has been-shown, and an arrangement for an extensionwire 7 8 being connected therewith. Particularly a threaded portion'79'u on the extension is adapted to engage wit in a threaded openin 80 onthe end of the wire 15.

t is to be understood that any number of wires, bands and grooves may heused and in' terchanged in the various units.

In conclusion it is particularly pointed out that the strips may beplain, ornamental,

decorated, removable, transparent, opaque, cut out, crossed, morticed,notched, apertured and interchan able. The spacers serve to divide thestrips and also to be useful as ornaments. The band may be made plain orperforated and of any staple material cut to tron of extension pieces.

suficient length and thereafter if needed extended. The wires may bepresent in the bendable unit in various fashions and .of specificlengths and extendable by the addi- The wrappers may be made of paper,velvet, cushions, canvas, hose or any other material that can bedetachabl applied.

ere is an unlimited number of variations of the invention expressible insigns, 1 o novelties and general utility purposes, but in each of thesethe main constituents of the invention must be present'in order toobtain the bendable fumt.

. While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of myinvention, it is to be understood that I do not limit m self totheprecise construction herein disc osedand the right is reserved to allchanges and modifications coming within the scope of the invention asdefined in-the appended claims. Having thus described my invention, whatI claimas new, and desire to secure by United Statesletters Patent is'1. A bendable unit, compris' of strips, e plurality of pliab 'e membersspaced from each other and passing throu b said strips, a plurality ofsubstantia lyspherical spacers between said strips and a pluralityspaced from each other and passing three 11 said strips, a plurality ofsubstantial y spherical spacers between said, strips and upon saidmembers, and wrappers upon said strips detachsbly mounted, said stripsbeing formed with grooves for the reception of said wrap rs.

4. A bendable unit, comprising a' plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliable members spaced from each other and passing through said strips,a plurality of acers between said strips'nnd upon said mem rs, andwrappers upon said strips detachably mounted,

said strips bcin provided with covering ma; teriel, cushion orupholstered.

5. A. bendable unit, comprisin a plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliab e members spaced from each other and passin through said strips, aplurality of substantia y spherical s acers between said strips and uponsaid mem rs, and wrappers upon said strips detachably mounted saidpliable members comprising'bands an wires.

6. A bendable unit, comprising a plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliable spaced from each other and passing through said strips, alurality of substantia ly spherical spacers tween said strips and uponsaid members, and wrappers upon said strips detachably mounted, saidpliable members havi portions parallel to each other and space from eachother and allowing for the easy insertion of said strips.

7 A bendable unit, comprising a plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliable members spaced from each other and passin through said strips, alurality of substantia ly spherical spacers tween said strips and uponsaid members, and wrappers upon said strips detachably mounted, said sacers being decorative and serving to hol rated.

8. A bendable unit, comprisin a plurality so of strips, a plurality ofpliab e members spaced from each other and passin through said strips, aical spacers said members, and

tween said strips and upon wrappers upon said strips 88 detachablymountixl, said spacers being decorative and serving to hold the stripsseparated, said wrappers havin their edges terminating in the vicinity osaid spacers and said spacers engagin against the edges of saidwrappersfor hol mg the strips m lace.

' p 9. A bendable unit comprising a plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliable members spaced from each other and passin through said strips, alurality of substantia ly spherical spacers tween said strips and uponsaid members, and wrappers upon said str ps detachably mounted saidwrappers bem flexible and engages le across the faces 0 46 said stri 10.Afindable unit, com rising a plurality of strips having a sign t ereon aplur ity of pliable members spaced rom each other and passing throughsaid strips, a plurality of substantially spherical spacers between saidstrips and upon said members, wrappers upon said strips detachablymounted, and elements for connecting said strips together to frame of!the sign. 11. A bendable unit, comprising a plurality of strips, alurality of pliable members spaced from eac other and through saidstrips, a plurality of substantia ly spherical s acers between saidstrips and upon said It mem rs, and wrappers upon said strips detachablymounted, said strips being formed with mortice construction.

12. A bendable unit, coniprisin a plurallurality of pliab a members ityof strips, a .0 spaced from eac other and passing through said strips, aplurality of any desired ornamental spacers between said strips and uponsaid members, wrappers upon'said strips detachably mounted, and meansfor extend 6 ing the length of said pliable member.

members I the strips sepalurality of substanti ly sphere 13. A bendableunit, compris' a plurality of strips, a plurality of pliab e membersspaced from each other and passin through said strips, a plurality ofsubstantifily spherical s acers between said strips and upon said memrs, wrappers upon said strips detachably mounted, and means forextending the length of said pliable member, and means for holding saidstrips from moving off said pliable members.

14. A bendable unit, comprising a plurality of strips, a plurality ofpliable members spaced from eac other and passing through said strips, aplurality of any desired ornamental spacers between said strips andupon.

said members, wrappers upon said strips de- I tachably mounted, andmeans for extending the length of said pliable member, comprisng anextension portion, and means for fixmg said extension portion upon saidpliable member in various adjusted portions. 15. A bendable unit,comprising a plurality of strips, a plurality of pliable members spacedfrom each other and passing through said strips, a plurality of anydesired ornamental spacers between said stnips and upon said members,wrappers upon said strips detachably mounted, and means for extendingthe length of said pliable member, comprisng an extension portion, andmeans for fixmg said extension portion upon said pliable member invarious adjus (1 portions, com-. prising a plurality of perforationsformed in the pliable member, a plurality of perforations formed in theextension portions, and screws engaging through said perforations. Intestimony whereof-I have aflixed my

